the week that was

CalGiant riders make their way back to the field after a mechanical at Joe Martin

What’s up with toughness on drafting this year in US races? Once again, the GC was impacted by an “excessive drafting” time penalty. This time, it was Morgan Schmitt (UnitedHealthcare p/b Maxxis) who received a 20-second penalty for drafting after flatting in stage 2 of the Mt Hood Cycling Classic. Instead of leading the GC, Schmitt is now in 9th place at 12 seconds down.

Previously, it was Andrew Talansky (California Giant Specialized) in stage 2 at the Joe Martin Stage Race who was awarded a whopping 1-minute (3 x 20 seconds) time penalty, along with two teammates for the same offense. Race leader into the stage, Talansky was also returning to the field after a mechanical. (Read CalGiant DS’ take on this: Frustration for CalGiant at Joe Martin)

Why are officials so much tougher on this offense this year? Oh and Schmitt only found out later that evening after being wrongly awarded the leader’s jersey during the podium ceremony. Not the first mistake this year on podiums this year now is it?

Race news. The Canadian women’s teams for the UCI Gatineau races, Individual Time Trial or Chrono Gatineau UCI 1.2 on Sat. June 12th and the Road Race or Grand Prix Cycliste Gatineau UCI 1.1 on Sunday June 13th – are:

Speaking of teams and Canadian races, 18 teams have been announced for the 25th Tour de Beauce, the UCI 2.2 stage race held in Quebec, Canada on June 15-20. As host country, Canada will field 5 teams with of course the only UCI-registered team Spidertech p/b Planet Energy, Quebec Team, Canada National selection, Garneau-Club Chaussures and Spirit – CIBC Wood Gundy. The USA will also field 5 teams: Team Type 1, UnitedHealthcare p/b Maxxis, Bahati Foundation, BMC team, and Holowesko Partners-Garmin U23. Joining them will be Amore Vita, Fly V Australia, Heraklio–Murcia, CKT–Champion System, Global Cycling and Restore Cycling, DCM and SCW.

Last year’s winner Scott Zwizanski is not returning to defend his title as his team Kelly Benefit Strategies has chosen to race at the Nature Valley Grand Prix held at the same time.

Not a lot of changes to the overall course this year except for two things. First, the criterium typically held the evening of the TT in Beauce has been removed. And, there’s a new downtown circuit in Quebec City in the penultimate stage.

Followinglast week’s news that the Bahati Foundation Cycling team had parted ways with its sponsor OUCH Medical Center and rider Floyd Landis, the team has now announced its re-structuring and a new management entity:

“On the Rivet, LLC has assumed management responsibilities for the Bahati Foundation Professional Cycling Squad. In addition to reorganizing the team, On the Rivet will be seeking new sponsors to support the team. Additional information and specifics will be forthcoming.”

Lastly, on a personal note, I wanted to thank everyone for the notes and messages offering their sympathies and support. After some time off, I (Lyne) am back to cover races full-on. I miss and will always miss my dad – he was a good man.